ALHAMBRA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER & DUI ATTORNEY

Hiring an Alhambra Criminal Lawyer to Represent You in Alhambra Court

For over 11 years, criminal defense and DUI lawyer Ann Gottesman has been providing compassionate, aggressive and experienced criminal defense legal services to citizens accused of crimes committed in Alhambra, California, and neighboring cities in the San Gabriel Valley. Ann has become familiar with the District Attorneys, Judges, and law enforcement personnel in Alhambra, CA, and has handled many criminal and DUI cases at the Alhambra Superior Courthouse.

If you or a loved one is facing a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge or a criminal charge for Drugs,Petty Theft, Fraud, Weapons, Domestic Violence, or any other Misdemeanor or Felony, it is important that you find a local criminal defense lawyer who has a rapport with the Judges and District Attorneys in Alhambra Court. You want a lawyer who will provide you with the personal attention you deserve and the legal expertise necessary to properly handle your criminal case.

If you are arrested for a violation of the California Penal or Vehicle Code and the violation occurred in Alhambra, San Marino, South Pasadena, San Gabriel or Monterey Park, your case will likely be filed by the Alhambra District Attorney’s office, and your court hearings will be held at the Alhambra Superior Court located at 150 S. Commonwealth Avenue, in the city of Alhambra.

What Happens on Arraignment Day at Alhambra Superior Court?

The very first court appearance is called the Arraignment. The accused will normally plead not guilty, the defense lawyer will obtain the police report, and the Judge will decide whether to set bail (if bail has not already been made), or allow the accused to remain free on his or her own recognizance (“O.R.”) for the duration of the court proceedings. Oftentimes, if a person is charged with a misdemeanor offense in Alhambra, the defense attorney can appear in court without the client present. This prevents the client from having to miss work, find child care, or experience other inconveniences associated with being in court. However, depending upon the Judge, there may be cases for which the accused is required to appear at the arraignment even though such an appearance can normally be handled by the defense attorney alone. For example, some judges will require an accused to appear at court at least once if they are charged with a misdemeanor DUI with a blood alcohol level that is alleged to be higher than a .15 BAC, or a first offense DUI with a relatively high BAC and accident.

Domestic Violence cases, even if filed as a misdemeanor, requires the client to appear in court with his or her defense attorney on the arraignment date, because the District Attorney will always request a “full stay away” restraining order, even if the victim is adamantly against an order being issued! Restraining orders can have terrible effects on the accused, and his or her family. This is why it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer-- in many instances, the victim does not want or need a full stay away order, and such an order disrupts children’s lives and causes more damage to the family unit than the alleged crime. Of course, there are always situations where a full stay-away order is appropriate for the safety of all parties, but it is the job of your defense attorney to demand the Court to differentiate between cases involving minor mistakes of judgement and one-time out of character outbursts, and cases where an accused has a more serious psychological issue that threatens the safety of the victim.

Having your Attorney Appear without You in Alhambra Court for a Misdemeanor Criminal Case:

As explained above, at Alhambra Courthouse as in all Courts in Los Angeles County, a criminal defense lawyer representing the accused can usually appear in court without the accused presence. Section 977 of the California Penal Code states when a lawyer can appear in court without his or her client when misdemeanor charges have been filed.

According to the PC section 977, the law states in pertinent part:

(a) (1) In all cases in which the accused is charged with a misdemeanor only, he or she may appear by counsel only, except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3). If the accused agrees, the initial court appearance, arraignment, and plea may be by video, as provided by subdivision (c).

(2) If the accused is charged with a misdemeanor offense involving domestic violence, as defined in Section 6211 of the Family Code, or a misdemeanor violation of Section 273.6, the accused shall be present for arraignment and sentencing, and at any time during the proceedings when ordered by the court for the purpose of being informed of the conditions of a protective order issued pursuant to Section 136.2.

(3) If the accused is charged with a misdemeanor offense involving driving under the influence, in an appropriate case,the court may order a defendant to be present for arraignment, at the time of plea, or at sentencing. …” (Emphasis added.)

As one can see, there are exceptions to the rule that allows a criminal defense lawyer to appear for his or her client at the arraignment and at other court appearances in a misdemeanor case. If a defendant is on probation in another case or is being charged with a misdemeanor for which the DA is alleging aggravating facts, a court judge may require the accused to appear so that the judge can issue bail or discuss the option of ordering specific conditions for OR release. (i.e., AA meetings, domestic violence counseling, anger management counseling, etc….)

Bail and O.R. in Alhambra Court

At the Law Office of Ann Gottesman, Ann thoroughly prepares with her client BEFORE the first court date, whenever possible, so that if the Judge is likely to want to issue bail, a strong argument can be made that the defendant is not a flight risk and is not a danger to the community. Demonstrating the client has a good job, family ties, and is willing and able to appear in court whenever required, can make the difference between the client being remanded into custody and a high bail being set, and the client being able to remain free on O.R.. Usually bail in Alhambra is only set on serious misdemeanors, on felony criminal cases, or when the client is already on probation when he or she committed the new offense. If an Alhambra Court Judge insists on setting bail, Ann will have a bail bondsman at the Alhambra Criminal Court ready to post the bail to ensure the client is released quickly. Oftentimes, the client will be released right from the courtroom without having to be transferred to the Los Angeles County Jail!

Since being able fight one’s case while free and out of custody (on O.R. or out on bail) is a huge advantage compared to being in county jail during the pendency of the case, it is important to meet and discuss your case with a caring and experienced criminal defense lawyer before your arraignment date. Many lawyers never meet their client until the court date, which puts the client at a disadvantage.

Why Attorney Ann Gottesman is Different from Other Alhambra Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers

Attorney Ann Gottesman cares about her clients and makes every effort to ensure the best possible results for each unique case. She is well liked and respected by the prosecutors and judges in the Alhambra Superior Court and surrounding Courthouses.

“If you hire me, I will not hand off your case to another associate. I personally handle every case, and providing personal attention to my clients is my number one priority. Unlike other firms, where it takes hours or days to reach the attorney, I provide each client with my cell phone and can be reached seven days a week and during the evening. In fact, I take my cases so seriously that if I don’t have the time to devote myself 100 percent to my client and the case, I will not take the case. High quality legal representation, compassion and caring for my client as a person, not just a criminal case, is what makes my criminal and DUI defense firm different from most other criminal defense and dui lawyers in San Gabriel valley and Los Angeles.”

Alhambra Criminal and DUI Defense Lawyer Ann Gottesman is located in Pasadena California, close to the Alhambra Court, Pasadena Court, El Monte Court, and West Covina Court houses. If you or your loved one is facing criminal charges or charges for Driving Under the Influence, don’t hesitate to call Ann at any time, seven days a week for a FREE consultation. You do not have to go through this unfortunate experience alone. Having a good lawyer who cares about you and your case can make all the difference.

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Disclaimer

The information on this website is for advertisement and informational purposes only. The facts of every case are unique and nothing on this page or on this website should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information on this website is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship and viewing of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.